Dry stone techniques and architecture of Xàbia

Wednesday 18 january 2017, 19,30 h at Museum
Joaquim Bolufer will give a talk about techniques and the architecture of dry stone structures in
Xabia
Sunday 22 january, 10,00
Route along the base of the Montgó to see some examples of dry stone constructions

THE TECHNIQUE AND ARCHITECTURE OF DRY STONE STRUCTURES IN XÀBIA
Dry stone is a traditional construction technique in which stones are embedded without mortar and only soil is used to fill the holes. Dry stone is present in the oldest human constructions, and especially in our Mediterranean environment where stone abounds. Agricultural landscapes have been constructed with this technique,  defined, to a large extent, by banks and other structures built in stone. First, in the flatter and optimum areas for cultivation, and then, as social and demographic changes increased the pressure on the territory, up the slopes of the hills and mountains.

There are many and extensive areas of Xàbia that maintain those old landscapes of staircases and terraces with banks of dry stone in mountain areas, but also in other less steep areas which are now largely occupied by the urban development of the town.

But the dry stone technique has not been the exclusive heritage of the "disadvantaged"; Other constructions and structures of the traditional world have used it: lime kilns, scalding stoves, textile ovens, wells, shacks, raisin drying racks and others.

Terraces - Pedreguer